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The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Valentina Witkowski
Valentina Witkowski was born in 1922 in St. Petersberg (Leningrad at the time) in Russia. She moved to Australia post war with her husband and children. She retells her time moving from Russia, to Germany where she was in a camp, Canada, Argentina and then finally Australia. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involves recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Mrs Valentina Witkowski account of her life before and after arriving in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. She details her struggles in Germany before arriving in Beechworth with her new husband and children. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth'. While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side. Mrs Valentina Witkowskilisten to what they say, beechworth, oral history, witkowski, valentina witkowski, russia, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Ken Howe, 23rd September 2000
Ken Howe was born on the 9th February 1941 in Beechworth. His parents came from Everton. His mothers parents were from Northern Island and his fathers parents from Everton. They were farmers and did not come to Beechworth for gold. Ken left school when he was 13 and a half and worked at the Zwar brothers Tannery for four years. He then went on to work at with the Forest Commission. Ken discusses his job's, family, the arrival of Baltic immigrants after world war 2, The impact of the story of Kelly's in his life and just life in general at Beechworth. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Ken Howe's story offers an insight into life in Beechworth from the 1940's onwards, he details the various jobs that occurred in the Zwar brothers tannery factory, the tasks that occurred for the forest commission. He also provides insight into the role the Kelly story played in their lives and the significant places were incidents occurred. His story also offers a look into everyday Beechworth life and how the baltic immigrants after World War 2 integrated into the Australian lifestyle by working at the Zwar brothers tannery. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Ken Howe /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, ken howe, howe, everton, northern island, farmers, zwar brothers tannery, glue, forest commission, family -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Desmond McIntosh, 27 July 2000
Desmond (Des) McIntosh was born in Beechworth in the old goldfield’s hospital in 1940. He was the third child born in a family of five children. His great-grandparents moved from Scotland to Yackandandah in the 1930s to pursue wealth in the gold boom, but only just made a living out of it. His grandfather eventually moved and lived in the Woolshed Valley, where Desmond’s parents came from. His family continued to live in the Woolshed Valley as dairy farmers until the 1950s and then moved to Beechworth. Desmond went to school in Wooragee but left when he was 15 to work as a salesman at Freeman’s Store in Beechworth. He worked there for nine years, and then started working in the prison service in Beechworth at what is now known as the Old Beechworth Gaol, or HM Prison Beechworth, where he worked for 27 years. Desmond was an active member of the Beechworth community outside of the Prison in the church and an APEX member (which is a social justice program run across Australia). In prison, he led work programs for the prisoners such as a gardening program where they grew the fresh vegetables and fruit that they would eat. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mr. Desmond McIntosh’s account of his life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details some of the change that occurred across Beechworth over time, as well as details about the management of the Old Goal Beechworth. His account is important to the region's history in terms of social issues and the effect WWII has on Beechworth. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally recorded on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up to 40 minutes of recordings on each side. Mr. Desmond McIntoshlisten to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, desmond mcintosh, old goal beechworth, apex, wooragee, hm prison beechworth, woolshed valley, scotland, dairy farmer, freeman's store, gardening, garden, social justive -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Barry Pope, 26/6/2000
Barry Pope left Melbourne at the intentions of travelling around Australia, met a local girl in Beechworth and decided to stay. He worked firstly in logging operations at the mill in Stanley, had some bartending jobs at Beechworth hotels, then got a job as a kitchen-hand at the Mayday Hill Hospital. Taking up new opportunities to advance his career and earning potential, he trained as a prison officer, working for several months at Pentridge Prison and Fairlea Women's Prison in Melbourne. He then returned to Beechworth to work in the prison system. In his story Mr Pope discusses many aspects of prison life for both prisoners and prison officers, from the food and daily routine, attitudes to discipline and rehabilitation, industries and opportunities available to prisoners and how prisoners were viewed in society after their period in prison was finished. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Barry Pope's account of his career is historically and socially significant as it details practices within the prison industry in the Twentieth Century as well as the operations of regional hospitals. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Barry Pope /beechworth, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, stanley mill, logging, hotel wentworth, oral history, hospital garden, mayday hill hospital, met hospital, social welfare department, loyola, lyolla, pentridge prison, fairlea women's prison, prison officer training, drug crimes, prison daily life, prison farm, prison wood workshop, prison industry, prison escapes, beechworth prison, prison suicides, prison violence, prisoner attitudes to crime, mental health, isolation cells, walking dog scheme, guide dogs, prison concerts, prison plays, george smee, prison food, prison officer accommodation -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Joan Jessup, 18th May 2000
Joan Jessup was born on the 17th November, 1926 at at Nurse Longmore's in High Street, Beechworth. In this recording, Joan recounts her childhood in Beechworth, her personal and working life as a young unmarried woman, and then later her marriage to Albert Jessup and her family life at Murmungee and Beechworth. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the BurkeThis recording of Joan Jessup's life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural, historical, social, and religious heritage of the region. She details important historical events, local life, religious matters, and schooling in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during war time, economic struggles, and women's societal and working roles in a rural area. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preservedThis is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Joan Jessuplisten to what they say, joan jessup, beechworth, burke museum, jessup -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Maxwell Pemberton, 23 June 2000
Mr Maxwell Pemberton was born in Goulburn, NSW in 1923 and moved to Beechworth as a child just before the Great Depression. Mr Pemberton's father was a baker who opened a grocery store in Beechworth to support his seven children. The store, which competed with eight other grocery traders in Beechworth for finite local business, delivered goods by horse and cart to customers all over the district, including the hamlet of Stanley. Mr Pemberton's oral history testifies to the sorts of economic struggles faced by the majority of Beechworth's residents during the depression years. Mr Pemberton worked in many different industries in and around Beechworth, including in his father's grocery store, which he later took over with his brother; the Zwar Tannery, where he served as a union representative; and at the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged, formally the Ovens Benovolent Asylum, established in 1862 for care of the district's destitute, disabled and aged people from Euroa to the Murray, among them, homeless people Mr Pemberton referred to as 'river-bankers'. The hospital's founding in the 1860s was driven by a committee headed by the notable figure, G.B Kerford. Beechworth's institutions were a major source of local employment in the twentieth century. Mr Pemberton joined the Australian Navy during WWII and served at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. During his period of service, he received an honorary award from the Royal Humane Society of Australia for aiding and saving a drowning civilian at risk to his own life. Mr Pemberton's oral history also touches on the complex relationship between Australian forces and local Papuan people during the war. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mr Maxwell Pemberton's oral history recalls many aspects of life in Beechworth and the Oven's district during the twentieth century and enriches our understanding of the effects of the periods of socio-economic decline and renewal that unfolded as the century progressed. His singular account of his various jobs and colourful memories of life as a youth and young man in Beechworth, and abroad as a serviceman, contributes to our understanding of society's attitudes and expectations regarding ideals of masculinity and Australian national identity. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which would have been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Max Pemberton /twentieth century beechworth, benevolent asylums, wwii, beechworth's institutions, local employment, government institutions, listen to what they say, oral history, burke museum, maxwell pemberton, ovens and murray hospital for the aged, zwar tannery, beechworth grocers, australian navy, port morseby, papua new guinea, trade unions, welfare services, homelessness, 'river bankers', aged care, g.b kerford, ovens benevolent asylum, ovens benevolent home -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Graeme Gallus, 16 November 2000
Graeme Gallus was born on the Mornington Peninsular in a town called Sommerville, in 1938. His family was born in Germany and came to Australia in 1851. He arrived in Beechworth in 1981 after purchasing a taxi service. He talks about local businesses, government employment, community celebrations and clubs. Miss Amy Elizabeth Porrit's account of her life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. She details important historical events and hardships in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during war time, economic struggles, and women's societal roles in a rural area. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Graeme Gallussommerville, gallus, graeme gallus, taxi, beechworth, real estate, christmas, lions club -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Mrs May Harris, July 2000
This oral history interview was conducted with Mrs May Harris (née Peach), who grew up in the farming town of Stanley, about 9km southeast of Beechworth. Mrs Harris moved to Melbourne and got work cleaning houses before getting married. Her husband worked on farms, and the couple eventually found their way back to Stanley. She describes experiences of illness, particularly her husband and children's experience with asthma and the impact that had on their lives and careers. Mrs Harris talks about local fundraising events in Stanley, particularly what she calls 'Australian Teas', as well as some of the dances and picnics that were major sources of entertainment when she was young. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mrs May Harris' statement explores life in a small farming community alongside some of her life in the city, which might provide an interesting comparison. She discusses the difficulties of facing illnesses in these rural communities, noting the lack of available resources and need to travel to Beechworth. She discusses community events, highlighting both the social aspects and the fundraising aspects.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, illness, asthma, farming, farm work, rural life, stanley, stanley athenaeum, sinclair's sawmill, sawmill, the great depression, housework, australian tea, fundraising -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr. Vincent Makaravicius, July 2000
Vincent Makaravicius was born on the 23rd of January, 1922 in a small Lithuanian village. He was the youngest of six children and after completing his primary education he went on to study horticulture at Kaunas and Vilnius. During WWII, under the threat of Soviet occupation and conscription, Vincent travelled to Germany, before coming to Australia as a refugee after his wife in 1949 on the ship 'Victory.' Vincent eventually settled in Beechworth, working at the local tannery and the Beechworth Asylum, as well as taking on boarders in the tannery boarding house in which his wife and he lived for a number of years. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Vincent Makaravicius' story is historically and socially significant as it provides a unique insight into the trials, tribulations, hopes, and dreams of Australian immigrants during the mid 20th century. Mr Makaravicius references the turbulent political situation and lack of food in Europe as being the reason for the mass exodus from Europe that saw an influx of refugees and migrants to Australia. His personal account highlights the spirit of survival and perseverance that is quintessential of Australian settler history. His contributions to the township of Beechworth gave him a detailed understanding of the social and historical significance of the township and the people, institutions, and local businesses on which it was built, namely the Beechworth Asylum, the local tannery, and relations between migrants and the established community. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr. Vincent Makaravicius /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, vincent makaravicius, wwii, lithuania, kaunas, vilnius, soviet, germany, australia, victory, tannery, beechworth asylum, refugee, jennifer williams -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Harry Mason, 13th April 2000
Mr Harry Mason was born in Stanley, Victoria, on the 23rd of July 1925, attending the primary school in Stanley and high school in Beechworth on the mail truck. His family initially moved to the area during the initial Gold Rush period. He moved to Beechworth in 1960. For seven years after school, he worked in the local orchard full time before becoming the local gravedigger, responsible for digging the graves of Beechworth residents and Asylum for 23 years. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mr Harry Mason's account of his life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details important historical events and hardships in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during war time, economic struggles, and women's societal roles in a rural area. Mr Mason also discusses agricultural and gravedigging practices of the time as well as what it was like growing up in rural Australia. This first-hand account is imperative to our understanding of life during the last century. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Harry Madon /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, harry mason, stanley, orchard, jennifer williams, asylum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mrs Vanessa McDonald, 9 November 2000
Mrs. Vanessa McDonald was born in Beechworth in 1917. Christened, Agnes Bertha Collins, Vanessa changed her name in 1960. Mrs. McDonald's family's connection with gold mining in the district reach back to the first of Beechworth's gold rushes, when her great grandfather, a Dutchman who adopted the name Charles Collins, arrived in 1851-1852. Mrs. McDonald spent her childhood in the isolated hamlet of Stanley, in the area known as 'Little Scotland', where she recalls helping her mother to raise younger siblings, picking apples and walnuts on the family farm, and roaming the hills for wildflowers. As a young woman Mrs. McDonald attended religious and social gatherings in the local community. In 1940 she went to Melbourne to work as a mothercraft nurse during the Second World War. She met her husband at a Beechworth football match and was married at the Stanley Methodist Church in 1941. The gold diggings known as the 'Nine Mile' became the hamlet of Stanley, after the British Prime Minister, Lord Stanley, in 1858. By the late 1850s, Stanley boasted schools, an athenaeum, a church, a weekly newspaper and several hotels and other civic infrastructure to cater for a growing population. The area attracted large numbers of Chinese miners, whose presence was frequently resisted. Like other early Victorian mining settlements, Stanley was a hotbed of political and racial tensions during the gold rush. One side of the Nine Mile Creek was known as 'Little Scotland’, the other, 'Little Ireland'. A number of Christian denominations built congregations and churches in Stanley, including the Church of England, Methodist Church, the Catholic Church, and Presbyterian Church. Stanley became part of the United Shire of Beechworth in 1871. By 1880 timber was being cut and two sawmills were established by 1887. River-dredged gold mining consumed vast amounts of timber from the forests in the area, and in 1931 the first of several softwood plantations began. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth'. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Following the decline in the mining and associated industries during the early-mid-twentieth century, the Beechworth district experienced a period of general economic decline. On the east side of the Dingle Range, Mrs. McDonald's father, William Henry Collins, felled timber and the family were pioneer apple orchardists. The establishment of apple orchards in Stanley reflects changes to how land was used and contributes to our understanding of the historical development of rural communities following the gold rush. Mrs. McDonald's recollections are significant for understanding family and social life in a small rural town in years leading up to the Great Depression and prior to the Second World War. This oral history recording may be compared with other oral histories and items in the Burke Museum's collection. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mrs Vanessa McDonald /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, emigration, gold rush immigration, victorian gold rush, mining families, apple orchard, forestry, forest plantation, little scotland, stanley, twentieth century history, regional australia, rural australia, farming, harvest festival, great depression, dingle range, the nine mile, australian wildflowers, high country wildflowers, mothercraft nurse, rural and regional women, social history, collins, mrs. vanessa mcdonald, building community life, shaping cultural and creative life, fruit growers, family history, changes to land use in regional victoria -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Gwendoline Warden, 1st June 2000
Gwendoline Warden was born in Ararat in 1913. When she was 13 years old, she moved to Wangaratta, where her parents owned the “Hibernian Hotel”. Her father`s name was William Lavender. When Gwen was around 16 years old, she moved to Beechworth, where she met her husband and they got married in 1935. They had their wedding reception at Warden`s Hotel and they had two children together, a boy and a girl. She recounts how difficult it was for them during the war to manage their grocery's shop and source the supplies they needed, having coupons for food and the black-market prevailing. They faced financial difficulties and, ultimately, they had to sell the shop. After the war she did a few other jobs and she retired when she was nearly sixty. Gwendoline portrays Beechworth as a quiet place, where people were happy and peaceful, enjoying the many opportunities they had for entertainment, such as dances and balls, or the celebrations for the New Year's Eve. She also witnessed the beginning of the famous wheelbarrow race, which started just outside the post office and a big crowd gathered to farewell the two barrowmen. When comparing the past with the present, she points out how much Beechworth has changed over the last decades, with many new people coming to town, making her feel as “the only one around”. She also remarked that young people have changed as well; in her day they were entertaining themselves but nowadays they want to be entertained. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Gwendoline Warden's account of her life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant as it offers valuable information about the business activity in the region and provides a deeper insight into the way hotels and grocery shops were operating during the first half of the previous century. Additionally, along with all the details provided for many aspects of social life, her personal account of the war period is of great importance, offering vital information to research on the way the Australian society experienced WWII. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mrs Gwendoline Warden/ararat, wangaratta, hibernian hotel, gwendoline warden, william lavender, beechworth, warden`s hotel, grocery`s shop, coupons, black-market, war, dances, new year`s eve, balls, new people, listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, jennifer williams, cassette tapes, friends of the burke, oral histories -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Fred and Bette Wyatt, 27 April 2000
Fred was born on the 1st of March 1928 and Bette in 1934, in Beechworth. Both of their families immigrated from England on convict ships in the 1800s. Fred and Bette both had large families of 9 and 5 siblings respectively, with 2 of Fred's siblings suffering from muscular dystrophy both dying at 20 years old which affected the family. Bette originally worked in multiple cafes and kitchens in Beechworth before working in "Ennals Store" which was a grocery store, for over 30 years. Fred worked as a milkman during the war before becoming an engineer at the tannery and the brewery in Beechworth. He rebuilt the factory at the brewery during the 1970s and worked there until he retired. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Fred and Bette Wyatt's account of their lives in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. They both mention important historical events and hardships in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during wartime, economic struggles, and the development of Beechworth town. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Fred and Bette Wyattbeechworth, beechworth tannery, beechworth brewery, fred and bette wyatt, wyatt, wyatt beechworth, ennals store, ennals beechworth, listen to what they say, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Desmond Zwar, 19 October 2000
Desmond was born in 1931 in Beechworth but left at age 11 (in 1944) to be educated in Melbourne at Scotch College but returned to the town for holidays and when he was finished with school. Desmond is the son of Raymond Zwar who was 1 of the 3 brothers who owned the Tannery in Beechworth. He worked there when he was 19 for a year in 1950, when the first Baltic migrants came to town. In 1951, Desmond left Beechworth to work in Albury for a newspaper called the "Border Mail" before moving to Melbourne to write for the "Melbourne Herald". He was later known for becoming a writer, having produced 17 books under his name at the time of the interview. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mr Desmond Zwar's account of his life in Beechworth during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details important historical events and hardships in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during war time, economic struggles, and the relationships of different social groups in the town. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Desmond Zwardesmond zwar, zwar, beechworth, burke museum, raymond zwar, zwar tannery, the tannery, zwar brothers tannery, beechworth tannery, listen to what they say, jennifer williams -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAudio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Horace Monshing, 6th July 2000
Horace Monshing was born in Beechworth in 1935. In this oral history, he relates his understanding of the life of his Grandfather, Peter Monshing (Munshing), as a Chinese immigrant to Australia in the mid-nineteenth century, as well as his life as the last descendent of Chinese goldminers to live in Beechworth. While Peter, who was originally from Hong Kong, was not a particularly successful goldminer, he was a very talented gardener, and made his living growing a market garden and selling the produce. He died in 1947 in his nineties, in the same year that Horace and his parents moved to Myrtleford. Horace relates the discrimination he faced as a child based on his grandfather’s ethnicity, as well as how his grandmother, mother and wife have all faced discrimination for marrying into a family with a Chinese name. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Mr Horace Monshing’s account of his life in Beechworth and Myrtleford and the local area during the 20th century, as well as his understanding of his grandfather, Peter Monshing’s life as a Chinese immigrant in the mid-nineteenth century, is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region, especially as it relates to Chinese settlers in the region. He details the discrimination he and his family have faced as the result of being related to a Chinese immigrant, as well as describing his life in general. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 45 minutes of recordings on each sideMr Horace Monshing / peter monshing, peter munshing, horace monshing, monshing, munshing, beechworth chinese community, chinese immigration, chinese community, chinese miners, immigration, gold rush immigration, beechworth goldfield, marketing and promoting agricultural products, market garden, garden, racism, discrimination, oral history, jennifer williams, myrtleford, eurobin, beechworth primary school, beechworth state school., school, listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, listen to what they say, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumPostcard, 1910 - 1912
This photograph is taken of Lake Kerferd in around 1910. The photograph shows the road circling around the large lake and the jetty on the lake. On the other side, there is a written message from Fred Pulling to Win Pulling. Fred seems to have gone away and was not sure when he would return. He was also glad to hear about a gentlemen called Perc, who he stated to be a 'decent enough chap'.This postcard is significant because Lake Kerferd itself is significant within Beechworth's history. This lake was constructed in 1862 and was named after the former Beechworth Mayor, Hon. G B Kerferd. This lake was originally constructed to supply the town with water. Fred's correspondence with Win demonstrates a glimpse into what life was like during this time. Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardObverse: (113) Lake Kerferd Beechworth / Reverse: Beechworth / 29.11.19 / [ Stamped: POST CARD / KODAK AUSTRALIA / Dear Win / Gald to hear that you / have made up your mind about / Perc / He seems a decent enough chap / too / Anyway, Thanks for the letter / Dont exactly know when we are / returning / will write later. Regards / to Nell of course, and H. (indecipherable) / Lots of love / Fred / lake kerferd, jetty, chap, postcard, letter, trees, lake, horse drawn carriage, horse drawn cart, kodak, australia, gum trees, gravel road, beechworth, kerferd -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumPhotograph - Postcard, Town Hall Beechworth, c1910
Beechworth Town Hall was designed by architects J.J. Coe and Thomas Dalziel and is dated to 1859. The building was made of granite and constructed to local builders Donald and William Fiddes. The original front to the building was replaced by a two story facade in 1889 designed by George Jobbins and built by Thomas Sandham according to a plaque on the front. The Town Hall is remarkable for its vaulted ceilings and columns. Originally the building was used as the Shire Offices but also doubled as a fire station and a courthouse, with still surviving cells underneath. Among the inmates was notorious bushranger Harry Power who was originally transported to Van Dieman’s Land for stealing a pair of shoes. He gained his freedom six years later but spent time in and out of gaol for the rest of his life for a variety of offences including a number of armed robberies. The Town Hall is now home to the Visitor Information Centre which helps visitors with amongst other things, accommodation, tours, event enquiries, and is the commencement point for Precinct walking tours. The Beechworth Town Hall is one of five distinctive granite buildings on Ford Street that comprise the Justice Precinct. It is of considerable historical significance as activity on the site dates from Australia’s gold rush period and was the administrative centre for north-eastern Victoria. The building has seen continual use from 1858 as an important public building and displays many aspects of the history of law enforcement in Victoria. The building is also of substantial architectural significance for its construction from local honey coloured granite, which also showcases early stone masonry techniques and craftsmanship. The Precinct is listed on the Victorian Heritage register and is protected by Heritage Victoria under the Victorian Heritage Act 2017. The buildings are also registered by the National Estate, the National Trust and protected by Indigo Shire Council’s Planning Scheme. Black and White rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 1906-1910?beechworth, beechworth town hall, town hall, jj coe, thomas dalziel, granite, beechworth historic building, courthouse, cells, geoge jobbins, thomas sandham, 1859, 1889, walking tours, beechworth historic precinct, historic precinct, harry power, bushranger, australian bushrangers, van dieman's land, transportation, armed robberies -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Native (metallic) copper, Unknown
This specimen is a native copper specimen that is metallic. Copper is typically found in the earth's crust and is often found alongside other metals such as gold, zinc, lead and silver which all belong to the same group which is the Copper/Gold group. Copper is most commonly formed from large masses of molten lava rock which has solidified in the earth's crust and over time though different sizes and speeds of crystal growth has turned into large amounts of copper, stored in porphyry copper deposits. Copper has a distinctive colour, yet can sometime appear blue and greenish which is often caused by oxidisation or a mixture of copper and other metals. This specific specimen was recovered from Moonta, South Australia. The Moonta Mining Company was established in 1861, after a Shepard in the area noticed traces of copper. This lead to a rush in the copper mining industry which was relatively young in Australia at the time, making Moonta Mining Company one of the richest in Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia had been nicknamed the "Copper Kingdom" due to its vast amount of Large copper mines and resources. As of 2016, Australia was the second largest producer of Copper internationally, following behind Chile in first place. This copper specimen is significant historically and scientifically as it is such an important metal commonly used throughout the world in various ways. Copper is an invaluable recourse used in daily life, used in most electrical appliances as it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, as well as being soft and malleable, making it easy to bend and mould into delicate sheets and wires. Copper does not corrode and is therefore used in the production of water pipes among countless other significant necessities that are often overlooked in our society. Historically, Copper holds great significance as it was the first metal used by humans. It was discovered roughly 9000 years ago and was utilised by the Neolithic Man who learnt that heating the metal made it more malleable, thus tools and utensils were made which were far superior to the previous stone tools used by humans. This history and its connection to the current and ongoing relationship between humans and copper must be preserved and highlighted as it is integral to the history of all humankind. A small, palm-sized solid native copper mineral specimen with shades of browns, black and rustic tones throughout the specimen.NATIVE (metalic) COPPER / Locality: Moonta, South Australiabeechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, native specimen, geological, mineral, mineralogy, indigo shire, beechworth museum, copper, copper ore -
Camperdown & District Historical SocietyBook - "Australian Aborigines" by James Dawson, Australian Aborigines, 1881
First edition copy of James Dawson's book, "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson's book draws on his daughter Isabella's ability to speak the local languages and attempts a balanced description of a culture he considered ill-used and under-appreciated by white settlers. This work remains one of the more valuable insights into the life of First Nations people at the point of first European contact.Title page of James Dawson's book "Australian Aborigines""AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES" BY JAMES DAWSON THE LANGUAGES AND CUSTOMS OF SEVERAL TRIBES OF ABORIGINES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA BY JAMES DAWSON GEORGE ROBERTSON MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND ADELAIDE MDCCCXXXIcdhs, cdhsfirstnations, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, isabella dawson -
Camperdown & District Historical SocietyBook - "Australian Aborigines" by James Dawson, Australian Aborigines, 1881
First edition copy of James Dawson's book, "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson's book draws on his daughter Isabella's ability to speak the local languages and attempts a balanced description of a culture he considered ill-used and under-appreciated by white settlers. This work remains one of the more valuable insights into the life of First Nations people at the point of first European contact.Cover of James Dawson's book "Australian Aborigines" (first edition)cdhs, cdhsfirstnations, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, isabella dawson -
Orbost & District Historical Societytrophy, 1909
... of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life ...This jug was presented as a trophy to the Newmerella football team in 1909. The jug was donated by Carl Dreverman & Co. Carl Dreverman & Co. was an Ironmongers in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Established in 1900 at first as Dreverman and Reynolds, Carl Dreverman took over the store which still exists today in Orbost as Orbost Hardware. The official Newmerella Football Club was probably started in 1913. Simon Gargan was the founder of the Newmerella Football Club.Prior to that teams played socially. This cup was presented to the Newmerella team which defeated an Orbost team.Football clubs in Orbost and district, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A silver plated pear shaped jug presented as a trophy. It has ornate floral decorations on the handle and a hinged lid. It has a circular base. It was possibly designed as a wine jug.W&H inside a pennant On front - Football Season 1909 Presented by CARL DREVERNAN & CO. Walker & Hall ORBOST V. NEWMERELLA won by Newmerella Sheffield England 1594 Patent 79759silver-plate trophy newmerella-football-club dreverman football -
Orbost & District Historical Societybadge
... regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia ...This badge was found underneath a house in Marlo Road. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy Rovers. Football Club through its many changes has always been an important social fabric of the Orbost community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good healthAn oval shaped metal badge / pin with celluloid ribbons of green and yellow. There is a raised football in the centre.Orbost F.C. Patron 1950 -
Orbost & District Historical Societynewspaper, The Herald
The Herald was a broadsheet newspaper published in Melbourne, Australia from 1840 to 1990. The Herald ceased publication on 5 October 1990, but on 8 October 1990, The Herald's name was merged with sister morning newspaper The Sun News-Pictorial to form the Herald Sun, which contained columns and features from both The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial.This newspaper gives an insight into everyday life in the late 1950's and is a useful reference tool.A 40 pp complete broadsheet newspaper, The Herald - Melbourne. It is dated Saturday, August 16, 1958. It cost 3d.newspaper-the herald media communication-print -
Orbost & District Historical Societynewspaper articles, Dramas of a Real Country Practice, September 1987
David Hollands is a country doctor who has had a lifelong passion for birds and bird photography. Born and educated in England he arrived in Australia 1961 with his wife Margaret.Together they were in practice in Orbost from 1963 - 2000.Dr's David and Margaret Hollands have made a significant contribution to the Orbost district with their service to medicine as well as their documentation off its history. These articles are useful research items.Original plus a copy of a newspaper article titled, Dramas of a Real Country Practice. It is from the Herald newspaper of September 9, 1987. The article pertains to the life and practice of Dr David Hollands of Orbost. 2454.1 is the original and 2454.2 is a copy.hollands-david medicine -
Orbost & District Historical Societyblackout shield, Lucas Industries, WW 11
By 1941, the threat of Japanese invasion caused restrictions to daily life. Blackouts became the norm. To prevent identification from enemy planes all lights had to be turned down, including car headlights that had to be covered to minimize light exposure. In Australia more relaxed regulations led to the Australian air raid precautions being dubbed the “brownout”. These shields limited the amount of light emitted by a vehicle. To drive at night without them was an offence; however, the increase in road accidents led to the removal of headlight masks everywhere in Australia south of Rockhampton from 15 February 1943. These shields, though not rare, evoke a period of restrictions, fear, rationing and confinement.A circular metal disc painted black - car light blackout shield. It has a small glass slot in front and a scooped out front to cover the light.ww11 blackout-shield -
Orbost & District Historical Societyticket, Snowy River Mail as "Mail" Print, 1956
... of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life ...The official Newmerella Football Club was probably started in 1913. Simon Gargan was the founder of the Newmerella Football Club.Prior to that teams played socially in Orbost and district. This item probably belonged to A. WaitFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. A red cardboard shield - shaped ticket with "NEWMERELLA FOOTBALL CLUB member's ticket 1956" on it. It has two blue coloured cord ties.Newmerella Football Club Season 1956 Member's Ticket. N.G. Heinko Pres; G.C. Collis, Hon Sec"newmerella-football-club recreation -
Orbost & District Historical SocietyInvitation, Bairnsdale Printing, 1953
... . Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural ...This is an invitation to the Orbost Football Club's Grand Final Dinner, held at the Mechanics' Institute Hall on Monday 12th October, 1953. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. A cardboard invitation in the shape of an oval football. On a pale blue background in brown print is "Premiership and Grand Final Dinner". It was held in the Mechanics Hall on Monday 12th October 1953. at 7.30 p.m. At the bottom is "W.G.Weston President" and "Lee Allen Secretary"football sport orbost-football-club -
Orbost & District Historical Societymaagazine, Wild Life, July 1951
This magazine promotes the protection of wildlife and the need for proper management of national parks. Its editor Crosbie Morrison lobbied for a National Parks Authority which was finally set up under Morrison's directorship in 1957. During the 1940's and 1950's Crosbie Morrison (1900 - 1958) became Australia's best known naturalist. As a journalist with commercial radio and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, he made regular national nature study broadcasts to schools and other radio listeners for 20 years. He was the editor of Wild Life, a magazine which fostered interest in Australia's natural history and conservation, from 1938-54. (ref. CHAH web-site)This magazine reflects the work and legacy of Crosbie Morrison who campaigned for Victoria's national park system.A 100 pp magazine, covers missing, with b/ w photographs and articles on wildlife. It was intended for campers and those interested in nature. This is Volume 14 No 1.stamp of High School Orbostmagazine-wildlife morrison-crosbie natural-science -
Orbost & District Historical Societymagazine, Wild Life, April 1953
This magazine promotes the protection of wildlife and the need for proper management of national parks. Its editor Crosbie Morrison lobbied for a National Parks Authority which was finally set up under Morrison's directorship in 1957. During the 1940's and 1950's Crosbie Morrison (1900 - 1958) became Australia's best known naturalist. As a journalist with commercial radio and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, he made regular national nature study broadcasts to schools and other radio listeners for 20 years. He was the editor of Wild Life, a magazine which fostered interest in Australia's natural history and conservation, from 1938-54. (ref. CHAH web-site) This magazine reflects the work and legacy of Crosbie Morrison who campaigned for Victoria's national park system.A 398 pp soft covered magazine with green covers. The title "WILD LIFE and OUTDOORS" is in black print.Below this is a coloured drawing of two women camping on the edge of a cliff. One is hanging on to the edge looking at a bird's nest. The magazine contains articles and photographs in black / white print.on front cover - "M. Gilbert' in red penmagazine-wild-life morrison-crosbie natural-history natural-science -
Orbost & District Historical Societyprogram, Snowy River Mail, 1927
Cann River is a town in the East Gippsland region of Victoria in Australia. The town is located on the Cann River at the junction of the Princess Highway and the Monaro Highway, in the Shire of East Gippsland. Before 1929 the original Cann River settlement was where Noorinbee now stands.Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and these shows form an integral part of local history. This item reflects the significance of a volunteer group which no longer exists.A stapled paper program, orange with black print,"Cann River Agricultural Society, Noorinbee Prize Schedule for the 20th Annual Show to be held at Noorinbee on Thursday 10th March 1927" inside a rectangular black frame.
